Initial reports of Aledmys Diaz‘s deal with the Cardinals suggested he’d be getting at least $20 million over four seasons, but Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatchnow writes that the Cuban shortstop is getting significantly less upfront money.

According to Goold it’s a four-year, $8 million deal, which is essentially utility infielder money for the 23-year-old who hit .315 with 12 homers and 11 steals in 313 plate appearances during his final Cuban season.

There are questions about Diaz’s ability to play shortstop in the majors, but even as a part-timer used mostly at second base or third base he could provide a strong return on that minimal investment pretty easily. For now, though, Diaz is likely slated to spend some time in the minors.

UYF, my good friend, there are a number of takeaways from the new financial news. One, just like you outlined, that “only” commanding $8mil is an indication that not many teams thought that highly of Diaz.

He is still one of the higher paid Cards’ players.

His value dropped when many teams determined he couldn’t play SS.

Cards got a bargain, something they are wont to do.

Remember the Cards also scouted the Cuban SS, Arruebarruena, the Dodgers signed for $25 mil and came away believing he would never see the Bigs, because he could never hit Major League pitching.

This contract says about as much as Diaz’ potential as the Dodger’s paying Guerrero $28M and Arruebarruena $25M say about theirs. Indeed, based on the scouting reports about all 3 guys, I’d rather have Diaz (which says as much about Diaz as it does about how underwhelming the other 2 are). In a silent auction format, you have no idea what the second bid was for such players. Sometimes, you just get lucky by waiting out the market because teams have already spent money or filled holes (e.g. the relatively decent deals that teams get now compared to early in the FA signing period).

uyf1950 - Mar 10, 2014 at 1:25 PM

I’m with you there are always other things in play. My initial comment was merely pointing out the most obvious conclusion from the announcement. At least in my opinion it was the most obvious conclusion to be drawn. Have a good day.

Interpret my earlier post however you see fit. It is what it is. Have a good day.

Carl Hancock - Mar 10, 2014 at 1:19 PM

I’d say it says more about the Dodgers being tapped out on overpaying Cuban prospects than it says about the market. When the Dodgers are involved in bidding on a Cuban player with no Major League Experience, reality and market prices go out the window.

Great signing by the Cardinals. Too bad Craig couldn’t report this instead of Gleeman.

The thought of Craig squirming in his cheap office chair writing an article about how the Cardinals were able to sign a Cuban prospect to such a very team friendly deal despite initial reports saying otherwise would have simply made my day. But then again it appears Craig only writes on topics that he can put negative spin on when it comes to the team or players involved, or topics which allow him to troll his own readers. See anything involving PED’s’ Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, or just about anything involving the Cardinals. But it’s tough to put negative spin on this signing or troll Cardinal fans when they were able to sign a Cuban player to a team friendly deal.

Take for instance the “Cardinal Way”. It’s not an ideology. It’s an actual printed company manual/handbook given to every player, coach and manager in the organization from rookie ball to the major leagues. It also outlines the front office philosophy on how they run the organization and why they handle certain situations the way they do when it comes to player development, trades and free agent signings. It has nothing to do with being a moral compass or ideology on living your life like Stan Musial. BUT considering the fact other teams have actually obtained the handbook and applied it’s concepts in their own organization, the Angels openly admitted to doing so, I’d say it provides valuable information.

But things called facts don’t seem to stop Craig from trolling Cardinal fans. He’s must have been too busy writing his next big hit article… ranking team bat boys by looks.

Well, the Dodger’s paid 2 utility IF types a combined $53M. One of them can’t hit at all, but has a decent glove and the other can’t hit much or field much…plus, they gave one of them the right to be a FA after 4 years and the ability to reject minor league assignments.

proudlycanadian - Mar 10, 2014 at 1:46 PM

The Cardinals obviously spent much more wisely than the Dodgers.

paperlions - Mar 10, 2014 at 1:50 PM

Maybe….they spent less. Based on what I have read, I don’t think any of the 3 is likely to be an average MLB regular. Considering the gap in talent in the Cuban league (which has really suffered from all of the defections) and MLB, it is hard to predict if a guy will adjust to the higher level of competition.

According to guys that scout Cuba now, the pitching in AA is far superior to that in the Cuban leagues now.

proudlycanadian - Mar 10, 2014 at 1:53 PM

It will take a few years to find out if any of the 3 are going to be decent major league players.

okwhitefalcon - Mar 10, 2014 at 5:30 PM

Here’s an updated article from Rob Rains on the Cards pursuit, signing and evaluation of Diaz.

With the great situation they are already in with infielders, getting Diaz at 8 mil, when the other (lesser lauded) Cubans went for MUCH more than that, makes it pretty clear that the Cardinals just keep having the Midas touch.